Thursday, January 9News and updates from Kashmir

Month: December 2024

Sikhs in Malerkotla Punjab donate land for construction of mosque

Sikhs in Malerkotla Punjab donate land for construction of mosque

INDIA
In a heartening display of communal harmony, members of the Sikh community in Malerkotla, Punjab, have donated several acres of land for the construction of a mosque, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the local Muslim community. The initiative comes amid a rise in Islamophobia across India, making the gesture even more significant. Sikhs not only donated the land but also actively participated in laying the foundation for the mosque. "For years, Muslims in Umerabad and Amargarh areas of Malerkotla had no dedicated place for worship and had been praying in the open. This concerned us all, and the Sikh community decided to step forward and help," said Amarjit Singh, a local Sikh resident. Singh noted that the decision to donate land was unanimous within his family. "The land is w...
Kashmiri bats notified as handicrafts, Manufacturers rejoice

Kashmiri bats notified as handicrafts, Manufacturers rejoice

BUSINESS
The government’s move to officially notify iconic Kashmiri cricket bats in its list of notified handicrafts is being widely appreciated as the decision according to them would help Kashmiri bats in getting more recognition world-wide. Bat Manufacturers in Kashmir told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that this step is expected to give a significant boost to the reputation of Kashmiri bats globally while preserving their traditional craftsmanship. The cricket bat industry in the region, particularly in Sangam and Awantipora areas of South Kashmir, has a rich history and is renowned for its high-quality willow bats. The decision to classify Kashmiri bats as a handicraft means they will now benefit from government support, branding, and market outreach under the handicraf...
PDP chief calls for united fight to counter polarization, repeat of 1947-like situation

PDP chief calls for united fight to counter polarization, repeat of 1947-like situation

REGIONAL
Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday asserted that the majority of Hindus in the country are are secular and called for a united fight against the forces trying to divide the people on religious lines, warning against a repeat of the 1947-like riots. “The situation in the country is not good. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, Sardar (Vallabhbhai) Patel, (B R) Ambedkar made this country home for Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians. Gandhi even sacrificed his life for it," she said. "However, people are being pitted against each other (on the basis of religion) and I am afraid we are being pushed towards the 1947-like situation,” Mehbooba, a former chief minister, said addressing a gathering of party workers here. ...
Unidentified dead body found in Kulgam area

Unidentified dead body found in Kulgam area

REGIONAL
Danishwar Hameed An unidentified dead body has been found in the Kulgam district of south Kashmir. Officials told The Kashmiriyat that on Sunday afternoon, locals spotted a dead body floating on the surface of Waisho river in the Kulgam district's Khudwani area. They said that upon spotting the dead body, the local informed the Police, who rushed go the spot. "Police have taken the body in their possession and a process is underway to identify the identity of the deceased," said the officials.
Israel conducts various airstrikes in Syrian city

Israel conducts various airstrikes in Syrian city

INTERNATIONAL
In a continued campaign attributed to Israel, the Syrian government has reported that an airstrike targeted a border crossing near the Syrian city of al-Qusayr, allegedly used for arms transfers to Hezbollah in Lebanon. This marks another strike in what Syria has described as a multi-year Israeli campaign that has claimed the lives of civilians and soldiers alike. Syrian officials condemned the attack, stating that such strikes violate international norms and escalate tensions in the region. "This is part of Israel's ongoing aggression that disregards the sovereignty of nations and has led to the deaths of innocent civilians and our soldiers over the years," said a Syrian military representative. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the operation, asserting that the targeted ...
Police books 10 notorious drug peddlers under NDPS Act in Srinagar

Police books 10 notorious drug peddlers under NDPS Act in Srinagar

REGIONAL
Continuing its crackdown against the drug trafficking, Police in Srinagar booked 10 notorious drug peddlers under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PIT-NDPS Act). “The notorious drug peddlers namely Rizwan Bashir Dhobi son of Bashir Ahmad Dhobi resident of Sakidafar Safakadal (at present Grid Colony Srinagar), Parvaiz Ahmad Bhat son of Noor Mohammad Bhat resident of Karnabal Takanwari Pora, Srinagar, Owais Hussain Mir son of Sajad Hussain Mir resident of Tangbagh, Nawpora, Srinagar, Nadeem Hussain Bhat son of Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat resident of Batwara, Srinagar, Sheikh Jibran Nisar son of Nisar Ahmad Sheikh resident of Batawara, Srinagar, Raqib Lateef Bhat alias Amir son of Mohammad Lateef Bhat resident of Bhat Mohalla, Aloochibagh, Srinag...
Karnataka books Hindutva leader booked for ‘no voting rights for Muslims’ comment

Karnataka books Hindutva leader booked for ‘no voting rights for Muslims’ comment

INTERNATIONAL
An FIR has been filed against Kumara Chandrashekaranatha Swamiji, a seer of the Vishwa Vokkaliga Mahasamastana Math, for controversial remarks about denying voting rights to Muslims, police reported on Friday, November 29. The remarks were made during a protest organized by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh on Tuesday, addressing notices issued by Karnataka’s Waqf Board. In his speech, Swamiji called for unity to safeguard farmers and their land, suggesting that legislation should be introduced to strip the Muslim community of voting rights. He also criticized the Waqf Board, claiming that acquiring someone else's land violates “Dharma.” The seer's comments have drawn significant criticism, with calls for legal action against him. (With agency inputs)
La Niña to bring harsh winter, heavy snowfall to Kashmir this year: IMD

La Niña to bring harsh winter, heavy snowfall to Kashmir this year: IMD

REGIONAL
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a harsh winter for Kashmir this year, marked by heavy snowfall and extended cold spells due to the onset of the La Niña phenomenon. Dr. Mukhtar, a senior scientist at the Srinagar weather station, confirmed the arrival of La Niña, a natural climate event characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. “La Niña disrupts atmospheric patterns globally, often leading to colder winters and above-normal precipitation in regions like South Asia,” he explained. The IMD anticipates the effects of La Niña to intensify from mid-December, bringing frequent snowfalls and prolonged cold conditions to Jammu Kashmir. According to Dr. Mukhtar, previous La Niña events in 2018-19 and 2021-22 led to signifi...